"Cyber ​​​​defense, a top priority for Albania" - Minister Ermal Nufi: Intensive cooperation with the USA

2026-05-06 17:06:50Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The Armed Forces of Albania and the New Jersey National Guard mark 25 years of stable and successful partnership within the framework of the State Partnership Program.

On this occasion, a US delegation visited Albania, led by the commander of the New Jersey National Guard, Brigadier General Yvonne Mays.

The ceremony, which took place at the Land Force premises in Zall Herr, was attended by the President of the Republic Bajram Begaj, the Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy Nancy Van Horn, the Commander of the New Jersey National Guard, Brigadier General Yvonne Mays, and senior leaders of the Armed Forces, etc.

In his welcoming speech, the Minister of Defense, Ermal Nufi, emphasized that Albania is proud of the strategic partnership with the United States of America, describing it as one of the main pillars of foreign and security policy.

Minister Nufi expressed gratitude for the continued American support, which has directly influenced the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of Albania's role in NATO. According to him, these 25 years are not simply a series of activities, but a history of trust, friendship and shared values.

"During this journey, we have built together real and sustainable capacities: from the development of the non-commissioned officer corps, which today is one of the most important pillars of our forces, to the education and training of new officers; from cooperation in military medicine and civil emergency management, to shared experience in international missions, including Afghanistan, as well as the development of capacities in new areas such as cyber defense. These achievements have directly influenced the increase in professionalism, readiness, interoperability and modernization of our Armed Forces", said Minister Nufi.

Speaking about current challenges, Nufi also emphasized the need to further deepen cooperation, especially in the field of cyber defense.

"Cyber ??defense remains a top priority for Albania. In the face of ongoing threats in this area, the support and expertise of the United States are essential for strengthening our resilience and protecting our institutions. At the same time, further developing the non-commissioned officer corps remains a key investment in future leadership and strengthening our military structure."

"We have also made significant progress with the Light Infantry Battalion Group, which is preparing for the NATO readiness assessment. In this regard, joint exercises and increased interoperability remain essential," said Minister Nufi during his speech.

Referring to the commitment to invest in defense, Nufi said that our country is fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in the Alliance.

"Within NATO, Albania is aware of its responsibilities as an ally. We support fair burden sharing and, starting in 2026, we will also contribute financially to selected activities of this partnership, as a sign of maturity," he said.

During the ceremony, it was appreciated that the State Partnership Program will continue to strengthen long-term cooperation between Albania and the US in the function of regional and collective security.

At the end of the ceremony, the guests visited the static exhibition of equipment and tools of the Armed Forces.


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